Astha
While hearing Bollywood Vs. Times Now and Republic TV, Justice Rajiv Shakdher of the Delhi High Court has asked the news channels to ensure no defamatory content is published or broadcast against the film fraternity.
The Court said that fair reportage and neutrality is expected from media houses in any coverage. It has also asked the news channels to tone down and follow the Programme Code.
The lawsuit was filed by India’s thirty-eight leading film productions and associations against news channels – Times Now and Republic TV for broadcasting “irresponsible, derogatory and defamatory remarks.”
Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for the petitioners, has filed the petition on the grounds like defamation, infringement of the right to privacy and breach of Programme Code, and interference in the expected fair trials through contemporary investigations.
Citing Princess Diana’s chase by the media and commenting on the privacy of public personalities.
Delhi High Court said, “Surely, these are people who are public personalities so that element of privacy to an extent gets diluted… but please see what happened when the media chased someone like (Princess) Diana. You cannot go on like this. Courts are the last ones who want to interfere…. but what is happening here… is that you do not want to follow the code?”
Furthermore, the Court remarked while pointing out the nature of discourse seen on debates, “Now I am hearing participants in debates are using cuss words because they get so excited. If you keep egging them on, that is what happens.”
The petitioners have requested the Court’s intervention to restrain news channels from carrying media trials and to direct them to follow the Programme Code mentioned under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
The lawsuit came after the news channels had linked actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death with drugs and made scornful remarks against the film associates and celebrities.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on December 14.
